The weekend after Thanksgiving is traditionally when we bring all the Christmas decorations out of storage and I prepare the house for our Christmas celebration. Trimming the tree, dressing the mantle and piano top, and displaying the nativity scene; the reason for the season. It is important to have everything just right, so when the kids come home, they are surrounded by family tradition and warmth. The Christmas mouse MUST be on the doorknob to make it complete. I love this time of year!
The last thing we do is put the angel at the top of the Christmas tree. After the storage bins are put away, we sit down and enjoy the ambiance of this holiday with Christmas music playing. Ahhhhhh! My heart is content and as I look around, I am immensely grateful.
After the parties, concerts, get togethers, and celebrations of Christ’s birth are over, it is time to think about “taking the tinsel down”. Siiiigh. Already? The leftover goodies remain in the frig, the little gifts are still sitting in the boxes to be put away and even a little eggnog is left. I guess it is time to put Christmas away, right? Siiiigh again.
But then…..here comes New Years!!! This New Year’s Day is very special because our Oregon Ducks play in the Rose Bowl. We will have a few people here to watch the game and finish some of those Christmas leftovers and finish up that eggnog. Go Ducks!!
I sit here reflecting on 2014 and all it brought and then find myself looking forward to 2015 in anticipation of what the Lord will lead us to do. A new radio show, at least two more books published and the endless ministry opportunities He will provide. I don’t know what is all going to happen, but I certainly know He does and that is enough for me! “Where You lead me, I will follow….”
There will be highs and lows, challenges, struggles, triumphs, victories, heartbreak, great joy, etc., but as long as we remember He goes before us and will lead us through it all, IF we let Him, we can move confidently into 2015 with anticipation and confidence. Let me leave you with this wonderful scripture for this coming year:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:9-13
So, take the tinsel down and I hope you have a Happy New Year!